This was my first Deborah Knott story.  Though Deborah is a judge, there were no court scenes in this novel. Deborah is nearly overwhelmed by the fact that she has a new husband, and has taken on a full time stepson.  She has decided to attend the Conference of Judges in Wrightsville Beach, N. C, and take some time to relax on the beach.  Things don't go exactly as she thought they would. An unpopular colleague is strangled and dumped near the restaurant that a group of judges frequented during the conference. Deborah didn't expect to be trying to solve a murder,  but she has some ideas that she is determined to follow through.

Maron is a master at characterization, and there are quite a few characters to keep track of attending the conference; but they are compelling and unique and the fast paced plot is  entertaining.  There are plenty of murder suspects, and ideas for motive.  A murder doesn't always end with just one person dead, now does it? To protect himself, the killer sometimes has to eliminate anyone who might suspect him....and that's when the action really picks up. Deborah agrees to help the local authorities by making some discreet inquiries among her fellow judges.

While there are some references to past episodes, this is a stand alone story. However, after reading it, I will certainly have to read previous Deborah Knott novels.